IT is official. Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go has finally withdrawn from the May 2022 presidential derby.
On Tuesday, Go personally went to the main office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to personally withdraw his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) to run for president under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS).
His official withdrawal came two weeks after he publicly announced he would drop his presidential bid to allow President Duterte to support his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who is running for vice president under the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).
During an ambush interview with reporters, Go said he was already bent on withdrawing his COC as early as November 30, 2021, but he opted to defer it and wait for the “right timing” so he could do it without much fanfare.
He said he intentionally did not inform his supporters and staff so he could do his withdrawal secretly.
“I went here alone. I just rode a taxi [going here]. I did not inform even my security and driver about it,” Go said.
He apologized to those who are backing his presidential bid, and the move aims to help not only the President, but also a way to respect the wishes of members of his family, who he said are opposed to his presidential candidacy.
Despite his withdrawal, Go said he hopes his supporters will continue to help the current administration by voting officials into office who will be able to continue its initiatives.
As of this writing, Malacañang said Duterte has yet to announce whom among the remaining presidential candidates he will support in the 2022 polls.
